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SF2299 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Children's advocacy centers inclusion as a victim assistance program entitled to a portion of certain fines provision

Related bill: HF1295

AI Generated Summary

Summary of Minnesota Senate Bill S.F. No. 2299

This bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.101, subdivision 2, regarding minimum fines for specific criminal offenses and the distribution of those fines to victim assistance programs.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

  1. Mandatory Fines for Certain Crimes

    • Courts must impose a fine of at least 30% of the maximum fine allowed by law when sentencing individuals convicted of certain crimes (e.g., assault, sexual offenses, child abuse).
    • The maximum fine authorized by law still applies.

  2. Distribution of Fine Proceeds

    • 70% of the fine proceeds must be directed to a local victim assistance program in the county where the crime occurred.
    • 30% of the fine proceeds must be forwarded to the Minnesota Commissioner of Management and Budget for deposit into the general fund.
    • If multiple victim assistance programs serve a county, the court may allocate funds based on the nature of the crime, types of victims served, and the funding needs of the programs.
    • If no program serves the county, 100% of the funds go to the general fund.

  3. Use of Fine Proceeds

    • Funds received by local victim assistance programs must be used to directly assist crime victims.

  4. Expanded Definition of "Victim Assistance Program"

    • The bill explicitly includes children's advocacy centers as eligible recipients of fine proceeds.
    • Other eligible groups include victim-witness programs, crime victim crisis centers, battered women’s shelters, and sexual assault programs.

  5. Additional Surcharges and Sentencing

    • The required fine does not replace any other criminal surcharges, restitution, or imprisonment orders.

Impact of the Bill

This bill ensures that children's advocacy centers are recognized as essential victim assistance programs and eligible to receive funds from court-imposed fines. It also reinforces financial support for local programs assisting crime victims, ensuring they can continue providing services.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 09, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 09, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 09, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety
March 09, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety
SenateNoteActionHF substituted in committee
SenateNoteActionHF substituted in committee
SenateNoteActionHF substituted in committee

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Includes children's advocacy centers as eligible victim assistance programs."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the allocation of fines under Minnesota Statutes section 609.101, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the distribution of fines between local victim assistance programs and the state's general fund."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.101",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill acknowledges intact surcharge or assessment requirements relating to section 357.021, subdivision 6, in relation to additional fines.",
      "modified": [
        "References additional fines to include surcharge and assessments under existing statute."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "357.021",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 6"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references existing definitions under section 260E.02, subdivision 5, for children's advocacy centers.",
      "modified": [
        "Utilizes existing statutory definitions within amendments."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "260E.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  }
]

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